Authors (including presenting author) :
TAM KK(1), TSUI YC(1), CHAN FS(2), TANG WH(1), WONG WY(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Medical & Geriastric, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital
(2)Central Nursing Divison, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital
Introduction :
Falls are preventable health issues and fall prevention is a crucial element to provide patients with a safe environment and avoid falling and injuries. In hospital fall prevention, MORSE FALL SCALE (MFS) has been used for the initial fall assessment for in-patients and relevant interventions are carried out accordingly. In addition, post-fall Incident investigation would be conducted for identifying any typical fall factors so as to formulate fall prevention strategies. According to the investigation results, it revealed that “Impaired Gait” and “Cognitive Impairment” are two typical fall factors. Approximately 90% of fall inccidents ocur in elderly individuals who exhibit both impaired gait and cognitive impairment, even their MFS scoring is low risk.
Objectives :
(1) Shed light on fall factors and hence raise awareness on fall prevention
(2) Formulate effective fall prevention strategies and lowering the fall rate
Methodology :
From 1 Jan 2024 onwards, in addition of MORSE FALL SCALE, every patient with Impaired Gait together with Cognitive Impairment would be labelled with the particular signage so as to draw special attention from nurses and supporting staff on fall prevention.
“Special Attention Group” Signage Competition with prize was conducted in October 2023.
Award Selection Panel members: General Manager(Nursing), Senior Nursing Officer and Nurse Consultant
Winner Announcement in Fall Prevention Awareness Day November 2023
Award Presentation by Hospital Chief Officer in December 2023
Special Attention Group Signages are post up at the top of e-bed Panel, Fall Alarm Pad and Nursing Kardex
Frequency of Proactive Patrol Round of this Special Attention Group is increased accordingly
Result & Outcome :
The Fall Rate is in decreasing trend from 0.22/per 1000 bed days in Jan 2024 down to Zero fall incident in Aug 2024, and Zero fall rate from Sep 2024 to Dec 2024.
In addition of the MORSE FALL SCALE, identify the core and major contributors of each individual is also essential for fall prevention in hospital setting. Patients exhibit both “Impaired Gait” AND “Cognitive Impairment” are deserved to have "Special Attention" during hospitalization, and eventually reduce the fall incidents.
